No matter what type of pet or animal companion you have - a dog, cat, bird, hamster, reptile, goat, llama or horse, you are responsible for providing them with the proper diet. Dr. Pamela Ditonto of Holistic Veterinary Options, PC, based in Ada, says it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian during different life stages. “Diet is very individualized and while there’s no one-size-fits-all food,” she stresses, “pet food is usually produced for categories, such as puppy, large breed, maintenance or senior.” Within each category there could be many special health needs. “An animal’s diet depends on their size, body type and environment, plus mental, emotional and behavioral factors,” Dr. Ditonto adds.
Puppies may require extra nutrients for growth, as do pregnant or lactating animals. Dietary changes may be necessary if your pet has a disease like diabetes or has developed a weight problem. Just like the food we humans eat, it’s important to read pet food labels and watch for unnecessary additives, chemicals and fillers or foods that are too highly processed. Foods termed “natural” may be confusing for the average consumer, since the definition established by the Pet Food Committee of the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) reads:
“Natural: A feed or ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources, either in its unprocessed state or having been subjected to physical processing, heat processing, rendering, purification extraction, hydrolysis, enzymolysis or fermentation, but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic except in amounts as might occur unavoidably in good manufacturing practices.” A veterinary professional can help you decipher food advertising claims or guidelines like the aforementioned one. They will also get to know your pet and its lifestyle, to help you determine the optimum diet for its overall health and well being.
“I try to tailor my nutrition recommendations as part of my holistic efforts, which includes homeopathic medicines, chiropractic adjustments and a focus on preventive care for each individual patient,” Dr. Ditonto says. “It’s also important to watch for any changes in your pet’s eating habits. Animals cannot verbalize what’s going on physically, mentally or emotionally but they do show their distress in outward behaviors,” she says. “Those changes can be a reflection of underlying disease. Proper nutrition can also give the animal’s body the building blocks it needs to repair and heal.”
One of the concerns Dr. Pamela Ditonto has is the potential overuse of pesticides and chemicals in some veterinary preparations, particularly those for fleas, ticks and worming. She prefers using all natural compounds in her practice. Learning all you can about your pet’s specific physical, nutritional and emotional needs will help your critter companion remain healthy and happy - whether it has fur, feathers or scales.
Source:
http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/vetsci.htm
